MEC 4672 - Applications in Finite Element Modeling

• Discriminate between good and bad finite element models based on standards analysis methods
• Utilize an industry-based desktop checklist to verify model and solution accuracy
• Effectively model structures with multiple element types
• Effectively model frictional interfaces and bolted joints
• Determine when advanced modeling methods are necessary and when simple assumptions can made instead
• Effectively incorporate advanced modeling techniques in design project

• Solve simple 2D FEA problems involving spring, truss, or beam elements by hand
• Create simple linear static structural analyses in a commercial FEA program (e.g., ANSYS)
• Make appropriate modeling assumptions regarding element type, boundary conditions, and loading
• Interpret and validate FEA results with appropriate checks

• Review and extend the static finite element method to common industry modeling applications
• Calculate and interpret solutions to FEMs of industry-based problems.
• Utilize an industry-based desktop checklist to verify model and solution accuracy.
• Modeling structures with multiple element types.
• Modeling frictional interfaces and bolted joints.
• Modeling structural nonlinearities due to contact, nonlinear materials and deformations.
• Accounting for eigenvalue buckling in analyses
• Modeling linear structural dynamics with modal, transient, and harmonic analysis.
• Tentative topics may include:
• Shape optimization
• Fluid-structure interaction
• Fatigue (rain flow counting)
• Explicit dynamics (i.e., crash analysis)
• Composite modeling
• Submodeling

• Basic linear FEA simulations applied to industry-based problems with an emphasis on modeling methods and validation
• Examining different methods to model joints and their applications
• Nonlinear simulations involving contact
• Nonlinear simulations involving large deformation, nonlinear elastic behavior, and/or plastic deformation
• Eigenvalue buckling analyses
• Structural dynamics models
• Modal
• Transient
• Harmonic
• Student choice of topic that may include one of the following:
• Shape optimization
• Fluid-structure interaction
• Fatigue (rain flow counting)
• Explicit dynamics (i.e., crash analysis)
• Composite modeling
• Submodeling